Save to Pinterest These air fryer cauliflower wings are a game-changing appetizer that delivers all the bold, spicy flavor of traditional Buffalo wings in a light, plant-based form. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they are the perfect healthy snack for game day, parties, or a flavorful evening treat.
Save to Pinterest The secret to achieving that perfect crunch is the double-fry technique in the air fryer. By air frying the seasoned cauliflower twice—once to set the savory batter and again after tossing it in the buttery Buffalo glaze—you ensure the wings stay crispy and flavorful through every bite.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower Wings:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (or regular milk)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (e.g., Franks RedHot)
- 2 tbsp melted butter or vegan butter
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3
- Pour in the plant-based milk and olive oil. Whisk until you have a smooth, thick batter.
- Step 4
- Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, tossing until well coated.
- Step 5
- Arrange the coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
- Step 6
- Air fry for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Step 7
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine hot sauce, melted butter, maple syrup (if using), and garlic powder. Warm over low heat until well combined.
- Step 8
- Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a large bowl. Pour the Buffalo sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat.
- Step 9
- Return the sauced cauliflower wings to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3–5 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Step 10
- Serve immediately with celery sticks and your favorite dip (e.g., vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing).
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To maximize the crunch, make sure each floret is evenly coated but not dripping with excess batter. It is essential to shake the air fryer basket halfway through the first cook to ensure the hot air reaches all sides. For an even more intense crunch, consider adding 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs to the dry flour mixture.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe can be tailored to various dietary needs. Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version, and stick to vegan butter and plant-based milk for a fully vegan dish. You can also modulate the spice level by selecting different brands of hot sauce. Note that the standard recipe contains wheat and dairy unless substitutes are used.
Serviervorschläge
These wings are best served piping hot with traditional celery sticks. For extra variety, add carrot sticks or cucumber slices on the side. They pair beautifully with a cooling dip like vegan ranch or a classic blue cheese dressing to balance the tangy heat of the Buffalo sauce.
Save to Pinterest Each serving of these flavorful wings contains approximately 170 calories, 7g of fat, 24g of carbohydrates, and 4g of protein. They offer a delicious, plant-powered way to enjoy a classic American appetizer without the heavy fats of deep-frying, making them a fantastic addition to any healthy meal plan.
Questions & Answers
- → How do I get the cauliflower crispy?
Coating the florets in a seasoned batter and air frying them at high heat allows the exterior to become golden and crispy while keeping the inside tender.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to maintain the crispy texture without gluten.
- → Is the Buffalo sauce spicy?
The Buffalo sauce is tangy and moderately spicy, but you can adjust the heat by choosing milder or hotter hot sauce varieties.
- → What dips pair well with these cauliflower bites?
Vegan ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a simple celery stick accompaniment work great to complement the spicy cauliflower.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
For best crispiness, it’s recommended to serve them immediately after air frying and saucing, but they can be reheated briefly in the air fryer if needed.